January 15, 2018

Timely Reflection from the research of Sister Patricia Simpson, CND recorded in Marguerite Bourgeoys and Montreal: 1640-1665. (p.4-5)

Like several of the other early leaders in Montreal, Marguerite Bourgeoys came from a region of France where women had played important public roles since at least the Middle Ages. In becoming part of the Montreal endeavour, she participated in an undertaking in which women played key roles, both behind the scenes in France and in the leadership of the early colony. The evidence of the time indicates that the relationship between these women and the men who were their partners was cooperative rather than confrontational. But Marguerite Bourgeoys was not just concerned with the prominent persons of Montreal, the men and women whose names history has recorded. She was convinced of the importance of the ordinary women of the colony: in their hands - the hands of those who were to be its wives and mothers – lay the future of Canada. Their education was of paramount importance to her. Marguerite’s words, as well as the lifework she undertook, reflect her belief that people, and therefore society, can be changed if only they can be enabled “to understand,” an object of all true education.

January 15, 2018

For Saint Marguerite: On January 7 at Serenity Renewal for Families, Louise Dunn, CND, and Wendy Brown, Associate, facilitated a prayerful and reflective afternoon. Those of us gathered pondered the prayer service readings and shared what struck us in small and large groups. We continued our sharing with a good meal and friendly conversation.